Section 4.3 of NFPA 13 defines each hazard category and gives further guidance on typical occupancies associated with each category within the appendix of the standard. These values from NFPA 13 are tabulated in Table 1. The sprinkler standard now identifies a single value for the minimum required discharge density and hydraulic calculation area based on the hazard classification for the remote area. NFPA 13 permits multiple approaches (density/area method, room design method, residential sprinkler design or a specific/special application) for determining sprinkler quantity however, we will use the density/area method here. To estimate the flow demand, the designer needs to identify the number of fire sprinklers required to be calculated within the design area (i.e., the number of sprinklers anticipated to operate during a fire). Sprinkler System: Estimating Required Water Flow Demand However, if it is unclear, then multiple areas may need to be iteratively analyzed to determine which one is the most demanding. This may be clear, such as a high hazard area on the highest floor in the building or if the entire building is the same hazard classification. Alternatively, the sprinkler may have a minimum required flow that differs from standard spray sprinklers and must be accounted for in determining the required water demand.Īdditionally, designers need to identify what is the most hydraulically remote/demanding area. Also, one must understand the sprinkler systems/sprinklers to be used to protect against the hazard.Īdjustments may be required to the design area, depending on the type selected (dry system, quick response sprinklers, etc.). Depending on the occupancy, commodity or fire hazard classifications, different amounts of water will be required to control a fire effectively. Through this process, system designers and engineers can identify the need for a fire pump or a water storage tank in advance of finalizing system details and building layout.īefore estimating hydraulic demand for a remote area, it is necessary to identify what exactly is being protected and how it is being protected. Rather, the focus here is on an approach to confidently estimate water-based fire protection system demand at the early stages of a project, given that detailed hydraulic calculations are generally not undertaken until later stages of design. As design engineers, this boils down to analyzing what water pressure, flow and duration are available to be supplied versus the demand required for a system designed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.ĭetermination of the available water supply by means of calculation or hydrant flow testing is not the scope of this article. One of the fundamentals of any water-based fire protection system is ensuring that a reliable water supply can adequately meet the demand of the system being served.
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